Senior Ecologist

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people‑first culture.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our established Ecology team, delivering high‑profile projects across the Midlands, Wales and the wider UK.

Based in Manchester or Shrewsbury, the role will focus primarily on renewables, infrastructure and residential development, with additional exposure to commercial schemes and occasional UK‑wide project work.

The Role

You’ll lead and support the delivery of ecological projects from initial appraisal through to detailed reporting and licensing, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams. The role includes:

• Managing ecological projects, including resource planning, financial oversight and client communication

• Producing and overseeing ecological appraisals, EIAs, HRAs, licence applications and EPS licences

• Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists

• Carrying out ecological surveys where required, and ensuring survey quality across the team

• Assisting with fee proposals and contributing to business development activity

You’ll collaborate with colleagues across Ecology, Environmental & Earth Sciences, Planning, ESIA, Landscape, Arboriculture and Engineering, with opportunities for cross‑regional and cross‑discipline project exposure.

Rewards & Benefits

SLR’s ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licences, we offer outstanding opportunities for long‑term career progression.

Our flexible benefits & rewards package includes:

• Competitive salary with discretionary bonus

• Company pension

• Private medical insurance

• Life, income and travel insurance

• Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes

• Volunteering and Community Giving

We believe sustainable careers need balance, that’s why we offer:

• Flexible, hybrid and agile working

• 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays

• Buy or sell leave options

• Core working hours

• Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities

Family life and wellbeing matter at SLR:

We provide enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress and menopause — supporting our people both professionally and personally.

About You

You’ll bring:

• Extensive experience delivering UK ecological projects, ideally including renewables and infrastructure

• A degree in ecology or a related discipline

• Experience managing ecological projects to completion, including reporting to planning authorities and statutory bodies

• Experience preparing PEAs, EcIAs, ES chapters, HRAs and licence applications

• At least one protected species licence (a bat licence advantageous)

• Knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance

• Qualifying Member (or above) of CIEEM

• Strong technical reporting, communication and problem‑solving skills

• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle for site work

Culture & Inclusion

Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

If this Senior Ecologist role feels like a great fit for your experience and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.